South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will be unavailable for South Africa's upcoming test matches.
South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.
The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head.
After Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was checked by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.
Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:
"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an violation.
However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.
The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.
The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
